A NORTH Wales couple who moved to the United States so their daughter could be treated for a rare sleep disorder, were last night facing a legal battle to stay in the country.

Andy Williams, 42, and his 43-year-old wife Debbie, moved from Anglesey to Columbus, Ohio, to allow daughter Rachel to be treated at one of the world's leading sleep disorder clinics.

The 12-year-old suffers from sleep apnea in which her brain can tell her to stop breathing while she sleeps.

The US Immigration Service is under pressure from two American politicians to issue vital work permits, known as Green Cards, to the family.

They have until February to have their applications approved. If not they could be forced to leave the country.

Mrs Williams said last night: "Our application to stay is based on Rachel's medical condition and our belief that the best available treatment for her is here in America."

The family has hired a lawyer in Columbus and has won support for the fight to stay from Ohio senator Dan Stewart and congresswoman Deborah Pryce.

Mrs Williams added: "They are doing all they can for us. Staff at the sleep clinic are also supporting our application. However, it seems the Immigration Service has tightened up since the 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers in New York and these things are apparently taking a lot longer to sort out.

"We are hoping for the best because we all love our life here and Rachel has really improved. She is looking like a new girl and is showing so much confidence. I think we have a good case.

"She has started school, which is just a 10-minute walk from our home. She has settled down well and has made lots of new friends."

Last night a spokesman for the US Immigration Service said he could not comment on individual cases.

But he added: "The United States currently issues Green Cards to immigrants with special circumstances providing the applicant and his or her situation fits certain requirements and criteria. The procedure of applying for a Green Card as an immigrant involves two steps, a petition and the application.

"The process can be carried out in the United States or at a consulate abroad."

Rachel has suffered from central sleep apnea since she was two years old.

The attacks can lead to frightening seizures which force her whole body to convulse violently. Last month she was badly concussed when her head smacked against a wall.

The family sold their cottage at Llanfairpwll to buy a home in America earlier this year.